’Missouri Miracle’ was 5 years ago

KIRKWOOD, Mo. (AP) — It has been five years since the so-called “Missouri Miracle,” when two missing boys were found inside a St. Louis County apartment.

Ben Ownby of Franklin County, Mo., had been missing for four days. Even more improbable, Shawn Hornbeck of Richwood, Mo., had been missing for four years. Both were found on Jan. 12, 2007, inside the Kirkwood apartment of Michael Devlin, who is now serving three life sentences for kidnapping and abusing the boys.

The case drew international attention.

Ben was kidnapped soon after getting off a school bus in a rural area about 45 miles southwest of St. Louis. Shawn was abducted while riding his bike not far from his home.